Polivka elected to 3rd term

At 49, Dan Polivka has been an elected official for nearly 30 years, but he may be just getting started. He earned a third term as Trumbull County commissioner Tuesday, defeating Republican John Hull.

Polivka said he looks forward to working for the taxpayers of Trumbull County “and helping our county get stronger with economic development and infrastructure improvements and continuing to make the county business-friendly.”

Hull, 36, of Hubbard Township, a former Youngstown police officer, said he was running because Trumbull County officials need to be more accountable to the public.

When offered a proposal to merge the county courts in Cortland and Brookfield, the commissioners stalled as long as possible, which prevented the merger from happening, Hull said.

Polivka campaigned as part of a team that has kept county government running “without a single county layoff” in recent years despite tough economic times.

“This board has put in miles of services,” Polivka said, mentioning $47 million worth of sewers either completed or under construction, completion of many miles of bike trails and frugal spending.

Polivka has been especially active lately in regard to the employment of the executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority, calling for her to be replaced.